Catalonia & Little Trains of the Pyrenees
Start: St Pancras International Finish: St Pancras International
Duration: 5 Nights
Tour Operator: Rail Discoveries
Prices From:
Tour Overview
Experience both the sparkling coast of Catalonia and the shimmering peaks of the Pyrenees as you spend time in both France and Spain on this enchanting holiday.
Highlights
Visit Girona, with time to wander through the narrow streets and admire its magnificent medieval architecture at your own pace.- Head to pretty Figueres and discover the Salvador Dalí Foundation, where a host of fascinating surrealist art awaits.
- Enjoy journeys on the Little Trains of the Pyrenees, the Little Yellow Train and the Little Red Train, soaking up France’s natural beauty as you pass through the beautiful mountains.
- Discover the peaceful Núria Valley as you ride the Núria Rack Railway, travelling from Ribes to Núria on a wonderfully picturesque journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London & Roses
Meet your Tour Manager today at London St Pancras International where you catch the Eurostar service from London to Paris, continuing on from here to Figueres. From here, you transfer to your home for seven nights, the charming town of Roses.
Day 2 - Girona
Visit fabulous Girona today, a city of storybook history, full of eccentric museums and terracotta buildings, and capped by an impressive cathedral. You have free time here. You could visit the Jewish Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow streets, packed with ancient synagogues and cafés, or visit one of the city's museums or galleries. Make sure you try some classic Spanish dishes during your time here. There are plenty of places to sample authentic tapas, including a Catalonian specialty called 'pa amb tomàquet' - crispy bread rubbed with tomato and finished with olive oil and salt.
Day 3 - The Yellow Train of the Pyrenees
Cross into France and continue into the French Pyrenees. Enjoy an excursion to the historic walled city of Villefranche-de-Conflent. Sat under the gaze of the Pyrenees, this is a beautiful medieval town with a lot to discover along its narrow streets. Enjoy free time here before boarding the Little Yellow Train to Font Romeu. Climbing through the Pyrenees, the train treks over ravines, around mountains, and across viaducts, providing an excellent opportunity to absorb the beauty of the mountains. Here, pine forests line the tracks, and rising hills give way to a landscape of craggy peaks and crisp blue lakes. On late season departures, the Yellow Train may not operate due to engineering works. You will instead enjoy an excursion on the captivating Montserrat Railway, which climbs to the breathtaking clifftop monastery of Montserrat.
Day 4
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Days 4-5 - Roses and Núria Valley Rack Railway
Today is yours to explore beautiful Roses, an authentic fishing port. You could head to the sweeping, sandy beach for a day of relaxation. Or perhaps find a quiet café on the promenade or in one of the town squares, and soak up the Spanish atmosphere with a cool glass of wine or a cup of coffee.
Day 5 features a journey on the Núria Valley Rack Railway which takes you into the Núria Valley itself.
Twinned with the Jungfrau Express in Switzerland, this marvellous rack railway allows spectacular views of the steep slopes and the superb mountainscapes. The Núria Valley Rack Railway is the only way to access this remote valley and the lack of car traffic makes this the perfect oasis of calm with only sailing boats bobbing gently on the lake to distract from the almost magical surroundings. This isolated destination offers the perfect opportunity to admire the impressive natural beauty of the Pyrenees.
Day 6 - The Little Red Train
Journey on the fantastic Little Red Train today, travelling in cheery red carriages which stand out against the dense green of the majestic Pyrenees. You enjoy a scenic trip from Rivesaltes to the small town of Axat. Perhaps head to the open air carriages to fully immerse yourself in the passing scenery; there are few better ways to breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up the views than by this charming railway. In Axat, after a breathtaking journey, join a coach back to Roses.
Day 6
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Days 7-8 - Figueres & London
Today takes you to Figueres, a classic Catalonian town that boasts an impressive 11th-century church. Here, you visit the eccentric Salvador Dalí Foundation, a museum exhibiting many of the works of surrealist painter. Perhaps the best-known figure within the surrealist movement, Dalí was born in Figueres at the beginning of the 20th century. An iconic painter and sculptor, his most famous work, the 'Persistence of Memory', depicts a series of melting clocks with a background inspired by the coastline near Figueres. The foundation displays much of his work and that of contemporary artists from around the world, as well as a fascinating jewellery exhibition.
Later, you visit the historic town of Besalu, a grand town dominated by a striking 11th-century bridge. Be sure to have your camera handy as there are picture-perfect, fairytale spots at every turn here; cobblestoned lanes, winding staircases, and pretty churches.
Leaving Roses on Day 8, travel by rail to Paris where you join the direct Eurostar to London St Pancras.
What's Included
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The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish
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Standard Class Rail
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4* Hotel accommodation
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All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
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7 nights' hotel accommodation
Accommodation
- Hotel Mediterraneo Park, Roses
Your Peace of Mind Options
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Low Deposit
Rail Discoveries requires a deposit of 20% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 60 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.